19-year-old sentenced as drug dealer in meth trafficking scheme

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 19-year-old Beeville resident has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction of possession with intent to distribute meth, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.

Margarito Keller pleaded guilty May 30.

Today, U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos sentenced Keller to 120 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional testimony that Keller has been involved with using, possessing and distributing drugs since he was 14. In handing down the sentence, the court noted Keller’s age, but that the law demanded the sentence imposed.  

On Nov. 15, 2018, authorities took Keller into custody for distributing a controlled substance. During that arrest, law enforcement officers observed a portable safe next to Keller in his vehicle.

Upon inspection, they recovered several baggies containing a total of approximately 55 grams of meth, most of which was considered “pure.” They also recovered a loaded Taurus .38 caliber pistol and a digital scale.

Keller admitted the meth, weapon and scale all belonged to him. 

The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation in conjunction with the Beeville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Vincent Tang prosecuted the case.